Default Effect Study

What it is:

• An experimental study to contribute to behavioral nudge theory
• The default effect overpowers individual choice
• Even when decision-makers are aware of the presence of defaults
• Literature suggests testing the impact of transparency on defaults
• Our study: can transparent justifications for defaults impact renewable energy adoption?

What I did:

• Reviewed literature on behavioral nudging and the default effect
• Created experimental design to test hypothesis correctly
• Conducted power analysis to determine subjects needed
• Developed pre-screen and survey tools to test hypothesis
• Submitted IRB proposal and revised until accepted
• Administered survey online to subject pool
• Analyzed data to test hypotheses on outcome measures
• Presented findings at 2018 AMA ICC and local conferences
• Won third place at 2018 AMA ICC representing Penn State

What I learned:

• Experimental Design
• Power Analysis
• Factorial Design
• Survey Design
• Subject assignment and measurement
• Data Analysis
• SPSS
• Hypothesis testing
• Variable interactions
• Scientific Communication
• Poster design
• Conference presentation

Why it interests me:

• Choice architecture has a powerful impact on decision-making
• Defaults can promote good or bad decisions but can’t be ignored
• We need to consider its influence, especially when developing policy
• It is amoral to ignore defaults when giving people choices
• Moral leadership is needed to protect vulnerable populations
• It can be used to challenge defaults when people make decisions
• Fossil fuel energy is the default in most architectures
• Can renewables be adopted more by making them the default?